New York Mets 40-Man Roster Overview: Rafael Montero

Sep 26, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Rafael Montero (50) makes a throw to first base during the second inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Montero signed with the Mets as an international free agent in 2011 out of the Dominican Republic. He immediately became one of the Mets top prospects because of his ability to strikeout batters with great control.

Montero’s Background:

Montero excelled in the minors, earning a Futures Game selection, Baseball America and MILB.com organizational All-Star selections. He peaked at #3 on the Mets prospect list and #94 on the MLB’s top prospect list.

In 2014, the Mets decided to call-up Montero but was overshadowed that season by Jacob deGrom’s dominance. Montero had a decent 4.06 ERA in 10 games, but lost the control that made him a top prospect.

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In 2015, he only pitched 10 innings with the Mets and struggled out of the bullpen. His season would end early because of a rotator cuff injury in his right arm.

2016 was another forgettable year for Montero, he allowed 17 runs in 19 innings and walked 16 batters. The Mets were running low on time with Montero and in 2017 he was given another chance to meet his potential.

He went 5-11 with a 5.52 ERA, so nothing to write home about, but he showed glimpses of what he could possibly be. Montero was third on the team in innings pitched, starts and second on the team in strikeouts. After two strong outings to start his spring, he has struggled in his latest two outings allowing seven runs in 1.1 innings.

Montero will likely make the team out of Spring Training and will have a longer leash than most relievers struggling to make a team. This is his last chance with the Mets and if he does not produce the Mets will have no other choice but to DFA him. There are younger and more talented pitchers in the Mets minor league system and the Mets are in a “win now” mode.

Hi, My name is Daniel Marcillo. I am a journalism student at Stony Brook University. I am interested in broadcast journalism and it is a dream broadcast for the New York Mets, either on television or the radio. I am currently the President/Coach of Stony Brook University's Club Baseball Team.